The audience for the MTV Video Music Awards experienced a remarkable surge following its broadcast on CBS. For the first time, CBS aired the awards, contributing to a staggering 42 percent increase in viewers compared to previous years. The event, held on Sunday, not only aired on MTV but also streamed on Paramount+, attracting a total of 5.5 million viewers according to Nielsen's preliminary data, which includes out-of-home viewing. This impressive number marks the highest viewership for the VMAs in six years.
The 2024 telecast, which included the pre-show and encore airings, averaged 4.09 million viewers across MTV and 11 other Paramount cable outlets. In comparison, Paramount reported a directly comparable viewership number of 3.91 million viewers; final adjustments for the 2025 telecast will follow. CBS's vast reach significantly outpaces that of MTV, as CBS is accessible to approximately 125 million homes across the United States, whereas MTV is available in about half as many households. This accessibility undoubtedly played a crucial role in the viewership spike.
The 2025 Video Music Awards emerged as the most-watched entertainment special on CBS since the Grammy Awards on February 2. However, the VMAs faced stiff competition from an exhilarating Sunday Night Football game on NBC. The game, which marked the close of the NFL's opening weekend, saw the Buffalo Bills stage a thrilling comeback to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 41-40, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the final minutes of the game.
At the 2025 VMAs, Lady Gaga clinched the prestigious award for Artist of the Year, in addition to three other accolades. Fellow artists Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter also shone brightly, each taking home three awards. Grande's single, "Brighter Days Ahead," was honored as Video of the Year, while Carpenter's Short n’ Sweet was awarded Album of the Year.
The 2025 VMAs were hosted by LL Cool J, who boasts a long-standing relationship with CBS and its associated cable channels, which were previously under the Viacom umbrella. LL Cool J has made his mark as a cast member on CBS series NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and he has also hosted Lip Sync Battle on Paramount Network. His extensive history as a rapper and his recognition as one of VH1's “100 Greatest Artists Of All Time” solidified his position as a fitting host for the event.
The successful airing of the VMAs on CBS not only highlights the awards' enduring popularity but also signals a robust future as it continues to engage viewers across multiple platforms.
